Kightly thrilled to be back at Blues

Michael Kightly is delighted to be back at Roots Hall and believes Blues can achieve great things this season.

The former Wolves, Stoke and Burnley winger has signed a deal that will see him return to Southend 12 years since he was released from the club.

And Kightly hopes to add to what he believes is a strong squad already.

“It’s great to be back and it’s a little bit mad to be honest.

“After I got released, my first game for Wolves was against Southend at Roots Hall so it’s weird that I’m back here but I’m looking forward to playing in front of the crowd again.

“I would like to think that I’ve still got a lot left in me. I’m the type of person that gives everything 110 per cent. I’ve always done that in my career and I’ll be doing that here.

“I’ve got that experience of playing at a higher level and hopefully I can help the lads that are here.

“There’s a few already that have played at a higher level as well so I think we’ve got a good mixture in the squad and we can really achieve some great things.

“I wouldn’t sign for a club that hasn’t got any ambition and I feel the way Ron [Martin] has been talking to me over the last week and the way the gaffer is talking to me, the club has got a lot of ambition.”

Kightly went on to say the desire from the Chairman and the Manager to get him played a big part in him dropping into League One.

“Ron and Phil [Brown] made me feel really welcome and stuck their neck out to try and get me and it’s a nice feeling when someone wants you like that,” the 31-year-old added.

“I’ve signed a contract for three years so it’s a bit of security for me and that’s massive.

“I had a couple of other options but I found that this is probably the best one for me and I’m really excited by it.”

He is also excited to work under Brown for the first time in his career.

“I’ve been really overwhelmed with the way the gaffer has been. He’s made me feel really welcome and taken time out to get me here.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things and I’m really looking forward to working with him.

“Hopefully I can show him and the fans that I can do the business and help the club.”